The Motatapu in 2019. Photo: Supplied / Tim Bardsley-Smith
More than 2500 people took part in the country's biggest off-road sporting event in the South Island on Saturday.
The Motatapu involves a number of different activities in the hills of Wānaka and Arrowtown - including an ultra run, trail marathon, and mountain bike.
21-year-old Dean Stewart won the 52km men's ultra run that kicked off at 6am, with a time of six hours and 30 minutes.
His strategy was cover as much ground as possible before the sun came up, Stewart said.
"I was running pretty scared the last couple of hours, I didn't know if there was anyone right behind me."
In second place - with a time of six hours and 34 minutes - was 2017 Motatapu ultra winner Majell Backhausen. He said the course was not any easier than it was eight years ago.
Hannah Wall won the women's ultra field with a time of six hours and 57 minutes - more than an hour ahead of second place winner Ashley Hawks. She said it was a dream come true.
"I was a bit disappointed with my time last year so I have been working really hard over the past eight or nine months and came in strong with a goal in mind and smashed that, so I am feeling pretty proud of myself right now."
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